New charter schools create inequity and waste public money

New charter schools create inequity and waste public money

The announcement by the Under-Secretary to the Minister of Education that two new charter schools are to open is yet another barrier to equality says the PPTA. The schools will open in Hamilton and Napier in 2017.

“Not only do charter schools lack any of the financial, social and educational accountabilities required of state schools, they actually increase inequality,” says PPTA Hamilton executive representative, Vinnie Monga.

“At this year’s US National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) conference, members voted for a moratorium on charter schools, saying they have ‘contributed to the increased segregation rather than diverse integration of our public school system’; and they would know, they have had charter schools in the US for 25 years,” she says.

Julian Lumbreras, PPTA Hawkes Bay regional chair says, “We feel like this has gone on long enough. Charter schools don’t work, and they don’t belong in New Zealand. We question the motive behind opening more before any genuine evaluation of the policy has taken place. This is symptomatic of the government’s evidence-free education plan.”

“The public school system in our country is excellent, if under-funded. Quality teaching and learning for each young person is at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the very best future for students. Our schools are innovative and collaborative.”

“Public education is what we need in this country, not more publically-funded privately-run unaccountable charter schools.” Lumbreras says.

ENDS

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